On March 5, a classic piece of musical theater begins its run on the Flagler College stage.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Carousel" has been voted by Time magazine as the best musical of the 20th century. The production is loosely based on the play "Liliom" by Ferenc Molnar. Set in the late 1800s, the story centers on the life of Billy Bigelow, a carousel barker. The carousel in the play is symbolic of the circle of life -- the birth, death, rebirth cycle. Billy and Julie meet, fall in love and marry, trouble occurs, there is a death, and a child is born.

Starring in Flagler's production is Bartram Trail High School senior Jacob Rothman. Rothman says he is honored to be playing Billy Bigelow on a college level. Other members of the cast include Meredith Rhein, Nicole Greenburg, Dani Fattizzi, Joshua Winchester, Kia Miller, Greg Tamm, Liz Bernstein and Sarah Berland.

"I love to do musicals with large casts because it gives so many opportunities to young creative people," said director Phyllis M. Gibbs, chair of the Theatre Arts department at Flagler.

The Flagler College Box Office already is selling tickets and will remain open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. throughout the run of the show. Tickets are $15 for general admission and will also be sold at the door one hour prior to the start of each performance, which are at 7:30 p.m. March 5, 6, 12 and 13 and at 2 p.m. March 7 and 14. For information, call 826-8600.